Step Inside Nintendo’s Immersive New Museum in Kyoto
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Nintendo, the global gaming giant, has opened its doors to a captivating new museum in Kyoto, Japan – the birthplace of the iconic company. This isn’t just a static display; it’s an interactive journey through gaming history, offering unique experiences that will delight fans of all ages.
Opened in October 2024 in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, the museum is housed in a renovated building that onc served as Nintendo’s Uji Ogura factory.The space expertly blends the company’s rich past with its cutting-edge digital prowess, offering a truly immersive experience.
A Retro-Tech Adventure Through Gaming History
Visitors are immediately greeted by a breathtaking sight upon ascending the escalator to the first floor: giant, nine-times-life-size replicas of iconic Nintendo controllers hang from the ceiling. From the classic 1983 Family Computer (Famicom),known internationally as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES),to the modern Nintendo Switch,each controller represents a pivotal moment in gaming history. Below each colossal controller, vintage game cartridges are on display, showcasing both Japanese and international releases, accompanied by the instantly recognizable melodies of classic Nintendo soundtracks.
But the museum’s journey extends far beyond video games. It showcases Nintendo’s earlier ventures, including customary games and toys, some of which incorporated early electronic components, highlighting the company’s innovative spirit from its very beginnings in 1889.
Hands-On Fun with Giant Controllers and Classic Games
The ground floor is a vibrant hub of interactive activities.Upon entry, visitors receive a card loaded with digital coins to use for gameplay.This area features oversized versions of beloved consoles, including the NES, Nintendo 64 (1996), and Wii (2006). These colossal controllers are so large that they require two players – one to control the directional pad, and another to manage the A and B buttons. “The mechanisms respect the original models,” says a museum spokesperson, “allowing for authentic gameplay experiences, like running Mario by holding B while directing the character.”
An enlarged Game & Watch,Nintendo’s pioneering line of LCD handheld consoles from the 1980s,is also a highlight. Visitors can play the original Ball and the popular Manhole, using their shadows to control the action in this unique, interactive adaptation.
The museum even celebrates the revolutionary directional cross, a hallmark of Nintendo controllers since its debut on the Game & Watch Donkey Kong. Its enduring design continues to be a staple in Nintendo controllers, including the current Nintendo Switch.
From Hanafuda Cards to High-Tech Toys: Nintendo’s Legacy
The museum delves into Nintendo’s early days, showcasing its production of hanafuda cards, a traditional Japanese playing card game.Before its foray into video games, Nintendo also produced standard playing cards, Hyakunin Isshu poetry cards, and a variety of ingenious toys.
An interactive experience called “Shigureden SP” lets visitors engage with large Hyakunin Isshu cards scattered on the floor.Using provided smart devices, visitors associate cards by walking on them, offering a unique way to connect with Nintendo’s roots.
Visitors can even create their own personalized Hanafuda cards through a reservation-based activity,receiving a kit to color and assemble their designs. Iconic Nintendo toys, such as the 1966 “Ultrahand” (a device for grabbing objects from a distance), are also featured, allowing visitors to use it to catch balls and place them in a tube in front of an interactive screen.
Other nostalgic favorites, like the 1969 ”Love Tester” (a device that measured hand humidity to gauge “love levels”), have been updated with collaborative mini-games. Reimagined versions of the “Ultra Machine” (a home baseball machine) and the “Zapper & Scope” (a shooting game) now incorporate beloved Mario characters.
Fueling Creativity and Play at the hatena Burger Café
The museum experience is rounded out by the Hatena Burger Café, where visitors can design their own custom burgers, adding a delicious final touch to their journey through Nintendo history.
Step Inside Nintendo’s Immersive New Museum in Kyoto
Nintendo, the iconic video game giant, has opened its doors to a captivating new museum in Kyoto, Japan.The Nintendo Museum offers an unparalleled journey through the company’s rich history, showcasing its evolution from playing cards to global gaming domination. More than just a static display, the museum provides a highly interactive and personalized experience for visitors of all ages.
visitors can customize their museum experience by choosing from over 270,000 possible combinations of exhibits via their smartphones. Options are even available for lacto-ovo vegetarians, ensuring inclusivity for a wide range of guests. This level of personalization ensures that each visit is unique and tailored to individual preferences.
Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary representative director of Nintendo and creator of iconic franchises like Mario and Zelda, shared his vision for the museum: “Over more than a century, Nintendo has created many forms of entertainment. Although our products have evolved over time, our goal of entertaining families remains unchanged. The Nintendo Museum reflects this commitment to play and creativity, two core values of our company.”
A Journey Through Gaming History
The museum isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a dynamic exploration of innovation. Expect interactive exhibits that bring the history of gaming to life, allowing visitors to engage with classic consoles and games in exciting new ways.From the early days of playing cards to the groundbreaking success of the Wii, the museum charts Nintendo’s remarkable journey, highlighting key moments and innovations that shaped the industry.
Practical Details for Your Visit
- Address: 56 Kaguraden, Ogura-chô, Uji-shi, Kyoto-fu, Japan
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.)
- Closed: Tuesdays (or the following Wednesday if Tuesday is a public holiday) and during the end-of-year holidays
- Prices: adults (18+): 3,300 yen; Teenagers (12-17 years old): 2,200 yen; Children (6-11 years old): 1,100 yen; Under 6 years old: free
- Reservations Required: Tickets are sold via lottery three months in advance.
- Costumes: visitors in costume are not permitted.
Planning a trip to japan? Adding the Nintendo Museum to your itinerary is a must for any gaming enthusiast or family seeking a unique and memorable experience. Remember to book your tickets well in advance to secure your spot!
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For more information and to book tickets, visit the official Nintendo Museum website. (Insert link here if available)
Step Inside Nintendo’s Immersive New Museum in Kyoto
Nintendo, the iconic video game giant, has opened its doors to a captivating new museum in Kyoto, Japan. The nintendo Museum offers an unparalleled journey through the company’s rich history, showcasing its evolution from playing cards to global gaming domination. More than just a static display, the museum provides a highly interactive and personalized experience for visitors of all ages.
A Guided Tour Through Gaming History with Dr. Naomi Tanaka
We sat down with Dr.Naomi Tanaka, a leading expert on video game history and culture, who recently visited the museum. Dr. Tanaka shared her insights about this innovative new space.
From Hanafuda Cards to Gaming titans
Senior Editor (SE): Dr. Tanaka, thank you for joining us. What initially struck you as you entered the museum?
Dr. Naomi Tanaka (DT): It’s truly remarkable how the museum seamlessly blends Nintendo’s early roots with its modern gaming dominance. The
SE: the museum walkthrough clearly shows Nintendo’s journey from conventional playing cards like Hanafuda to innovative toys and to video game consoles. Was there a particular exhibit that resonated with you?
DT: Absolutely. Seeing the
original “Ultrahand” toy, which let you
grasp objects from afar, and its reimagined version in the interactive “Ultra Machine”
was fascinating. It beautifully illustrated Nintendo’s dedication to invention
and playful ingenuity, a theme that is seen throughout their history.
Interactive Experiences for Every Generation
SE: The museum seems to prioritize hands-on experiences.Tell us about some of the interactive exhibits that impressed you.
DT: I was notably drawn to the giant, oversized controllers. The fact that they replicated classic models like the NES and N64, complete with authentic button functionality, is brilliant. It allowed visitors of all ages to experience beloved games in a fully unique way.
SE: How do you think the museum caters to different generations of Nintendo fans?
DT: There’s something for everyone. Older visitors can reminisce and reconnect with games they grew up with, while younger generations can discover the origins of the franchises and characters they love. The “Shigureden SP” interactive experience with the Hyakunin Isshu poetry cards is a fantastic example of a
modern twist on a traditional Japanese pastime.
More Than Just games: A Party of Creativity
SE: The Hatena Burger Cafe seems like a unique and fun addition to the museum. What does it tell us about Nintendo’s overall approach?
DT: It perfectly embodies Nintendo’s focus on creativity and playfulness. It extends the museum experience beyond gamplay, allowing visitors to express themselves through food creation. It’s a clever way to foster a sense of community and celebration around the brand.
SE: Dr. Tanaka, thank you for sharing your insights!
DT: My pleasure! It’s truly a remarkable museum that any fan of gaming, technology, or even just Japanese culture shoudl visit.
